Sunni Parliament Boycott over Sectarian Violence; 129 Killed in Iraq

New but unconfirmed details are arising
out of the kidnapping mystery of three U.S. contractors in Baghdad.
The Americans are of Iraqi origin. They reportedly work at Baghdad
International Airport. Three names were released, and it was reported that one
contractor is female. The trio may have been attending a party at their
translator’s apartment or at an apartment described as a brothel. Militias are
said to raid that home in the Doura neighborhood on occasion. The search
for the contractors continues,
as confidence
in Iraqi security is falling.

Human Rights Watch is accusing
Shi’ite militias of escalating sectarian tensions, particularly in Muqdadiya,
where as many as 72 civilians may have been executed. Sunni lawmakers are
boycotting parliament on Tuesday to protest the violence. One of Prime Minister
Haider al-Abadi’s promises was to reign in the militias.

In Ramadi, nearly 4,000 civilians have been rescued.
Many of them were being used as human shields. The unexpectedly high number of
civilians is forcing Iraq troops to adjust their strategies for future
operations.